Dalung: inaugurates panel to restructure Nigerian sports

The Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalung, on Thursday in Abuja inaugurated a 12-man ministerial committee to restructure sports in Nigeria for effective development.

Inaugurating the committee in Abuja, Dalung charged it to develop a framework which would give birth to Nigeria’s renaissance as a global player in diplomacy and economic through sports.

“The framework should professionalise sports in Nigeria and establish a clear path for all athletes, coaches and every section of the sports industry,’’ he said.

Dalung urged the committee to restructure Nigeria sports from the service-orientated model to a development-oriented enterprise which would enhance effective sports development.

The minister listed other terms of reference for the committee to include: identifying major obstacles to sports development in Nigeria and developing a sustainable framework for sports.

He said such a framework would help build a strong base for the systematic discovery, identification, training and development of athletes in sporting activities.

“The committee will also recommend ways of reconstituting the sports federations and associations in a way that all stakeholders will have a say to attract passionate and resourceful leadership.’’

Dalung gave the committee 90 days, with effect from April 11, to submit its reports to the minister.

Godwin Kienka, who is the Chairman of the Committee, pledged the committee’s commitment to restructuring Nigeria sports to restore its past glory.

Other members of the committee are Segun Odegbami, Babatunde Fatayi-Williams, Sam Ahmedu, Mary Onyali, Bola Oredele, Ayo Olubato, Waziri Laminu, Despan Kwardem and Ademola Are who is the Secretary.